HISTORY buffs will be flying high with the Pioneer’s latest nostalgic competition.

We have seven copies of Aldon Ferguson’s new book Cheshire Airfields in the Second World War to give away to readers.

Released by Countryside Book priced £12.99, it will appeal to history buffs and aviation enthusiasts.

To win a copy, answer our question and send in your entry form to us by 10am on Wednesday, December 3.

Of Cheshire’s nine Second World War airfields, three existed before the war – Hooton Park in Ellesmere Port, Ringway (now Manchester Airport), and Woodford near Winsford.

Mr Ferguson said: “These airfields made a massive contribution to the war effort in three specific ways. Firstly they were home to legendary aircraft manufacturing companies, who built Lancaster and Wellignton bombers, Avro Ansons and the Bristol Blenheims.

“Secondly, they provided pilots and navigators to patrol the skies above Cheshire and to take on enemy aircraft, particularly during the Merseyside blitz of 1940-41.

“Besides protecting the county’s civilians, these flyers were also asked to defend the Cammell Laird shipbuilding yards at Birkenhead, the docks and city of Liverpool, and the factories and city of Manchester.

“Thirdly, and as importantly, these airfields took on a training role. They ran courses that meant the difference between life and death for RAF pilots.

“Today all this frantic activity is almost forgotten. This book will bring back memories to those who remember and will explain to those too young to remember the sense of fear and excitement that was ever present in the skies above Cheshire.”

Do you have any memories of Ellesmere Port’s wartime airfields, or any photos of them you wish to share with us? Send them, and any other old pictures and memories, to: Nostalgia, Ellesmere Port Pioneer, 76 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead CH41 5AN.